Belated Happy May Day!
Did you celebrate it yesterday? My old neighbor, Debbie, used to put a fresh bouquet of spring flowers on my doorstep every May first ... a May day custom, she'd say. I'd never heard of that before, but each year I looked forward to her colorful arrangements.
Anyway, I forgot all about it this year. I was too busy racing around -- left the house at 7:15 a.m. and returned at 4:15 p.m. -- geesh! The whole time I was out, I kept thinking about the next thing I had to do until I remembered that I am trying to practice the principles in A New Earth ...and living in the present moment because all we really have is NOW. (Maybe that's why Tolle named one of his books The Power of Now)
Living in the present moment is SO easy in that you don't worry about the past or the future because the job is to focus on now. Remembering to focus on the NOW, however, presents problems because my brain is very busy (even right now) for example, wondering about something else. We're having company for dinner tomorrow night and I can't decide what I'll serve. (future) I won't make that yummy pumpkin-spice-ginger-crust cheesecake because the last time I made it, the crust turned out like mortar. (past)
The challenge? We're conditioned to base our judgements, opinions, criticisms, way of life, -- everything -- on past experience instead of seeing each moment as fresh and new. If we could do that, have each moment be present and new, oh if we could just do that, then we could see possibility and not defeat or same outcome in everything. Interesting, huh?
So, I'm trying to focus on the present moment -- by watching my breath, taking time out to just take a couple of breaths to get back to center, back to the place of stillness deep within -- even in my chaotic world.
I'm not nearly as articulate as Tolle, but he said something that helps me get to that place. He used the example of stillness of the ocean ... the waves could be choppy on the surface (representing chaos/life), but underneath the water is calm (the stillness within). That's the place from which a wellspring of new ideas and possibilities live. :-) (my interpretation)
Okay, so now that I've done this I can go make that BLT I've wanted all day -- tee hee (past and future--what about NOW?)
2 comments:
AC~
I woke up early this morning, after a restless night. The anticipation of my morning task has me feeling as if I am about to walk the plank. My anxiety level is off the charts. After speaking with you yesterday I just felt the need for your continuous support... I knew there would be an email waiting for me when I woke, sure enough~ there it was.
You validated my feelings and for that; I thank you. I was then compelled to visit your blog and I am so glad I did!! You words have given me a shot of strength, confirmation so to speak, for this mornings "talk".
Today will be one of the most difficult things I'll ever do. But with my determiniation to keep it real & your reminder to do just that..."stay in the moment", has moved me once again.
"the waves could be choppy on the surface (representing chaos/life), but underneath the water is calm (the stillness within). That's the place from which a wellspring of new ideas and possibilities live. :-) (my interpretation)"
Your "interpretation" is right on...
Thanks Auntie
Love you much & always.
Heidi-Ho
Cindy,
I hadn't realized you've started blogging again. I'm thrilled! You have such a wonderful way of expressing yourself and important thoughts to share. I particularly loved this post because it's a reminder to breath and be grateful for the peace of the NOW.
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